Science & Solutions #36 Swine

Issue 36 • Swine

Proven Tools to Replace AGPs How to Include DDGS in Feed

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What’s Wrong with My Pigs?

Part 6: Lower Feed Intake

Editorial Higher Production? Here’s How Consumers are increasingly conscious of the problems related to antibiotic usage in animal production. This trend combined with regulatory pressure means that pig producers face a complex challenge: produce more and better quality at a lower price and without antibiotics.

So the question arises: what can replace AGPs? Organic acid- and phytogenic- based additives have been used in animal production for decades to improve feed and water hygiene and support gut performance. Today, the mode of action of these products focuses more on the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects in the gastrointestinal tract.

In this issue of Science & Solutions, we show how our innovative novel growth promoters (NGPs) can deliver performance that meets or exceeds your expectations.

Since feed accounts for 70% of pig production costs, we have to be flexible with diet compositions, while being careful about hidden hazards.

In the last few years the use of DDGS in animal nutrition has become more common. In the second article, we weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using DDGS in animal feeds, focusing on digestibility.

Finally we recap the importance of the voluntary feed intake, providing you with a checklist to troubleshoot sudden drops in feed intake so that you can achieve the best results.

Enjoy reading!

Emese KÁDAS-TÓTH Product Manager

Science & Solutions • Issue 36

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Contents

Proven Tools to Replace AGPs

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Novel growth promoters will outpace antibiotic growth promoters in the future. Several feed additives available today effectively support modern livestock production and generate profits.

By Richard Markus, PhD and Franz Waxenecker, DI

How to Best Include DDGS in Swine Feed

6

Managing nutrient digestibility and the mycotoxin threat.

By Richard Markus, PhD and André van Lankveld, BSc

Cut & Keep

Checklist

What’s Wrong with My Pigs?

Part 6: Lower Feed Intake

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A handy diagnostic checklist of symptoms, causes and remedies.

Science & Solutions is a monthly publication of BIOMIN Holding GmbH, distributed free-of-charge to our customers and partners. Each issue of Science & Solutions presents topics on the most current scientific insights in animal nutrition and health with a focus on one species (aquaculture, poultry, swine or ruminant) per issue.

ISSN: 2309-5954 For a digital copy and details, visit: http://magazine.biomin.net For article reprints or to subscribe to Science & Solutions, please contact us: magazine@biomin.net Editor: Ryan Hines Contributors: Richard Markus, Diego Padoan, André van Lankveld, Franz Waxenecker Marketing: Herbert Kneissl, Karin Nährer Graphics: Reinhold Gallbrunner, Michaela Hössinger Research: Franz Waxenecker, Ursula Hofstetter, Paolo Doncecchi Publisher: BIOMIN Holding GmbH

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Science & Solutions • Issue 36

Proven Tools to Replace

AGPs

By Richard

Markus, Assistant of Development Director, and Franz Waxenecker, Director of the Development Department

The rise of novel growth promoters will outpace antibiotic growth promoters by a factor of 2 to 1 through 2030. From a performance perspective, several feed additives available today can effectively serve modern livestock production and generate profits.

I

n many countries sub-therapeutic usage of antibiotics (AGPs) is still widespread. According to the Trade and Agriculture Directorate Committee for Agriculture, the livestock sector’s consumption of antimicrobials is projected to rise by 67% between 2010 and 2030, reaching 105,600 tons annually. Meanwhile, the sales of novel growth promoters should rise by at least 120 percent over the same period according to our own calculations, albeit from a different base.

Brakes on antibiotic usage At least 32 countries have imposed a nationwide ban on antibiotic growth promoters and 35 have a veterinary prescription requirement. In some areas, efforts such as the European Union’s 2006 ban on the use of antibiotics as growth promoters in animal feed, has led to a decline in sales.

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Furthermore, scientific research suggests that the farm level benefits have peaked. A meta-analysis of more than 1,000 swine trials between 1950 and 1985 did show average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) improvements of 16.4 percent and 6.9 percent, respectively, in rearing pigs.

A new study by Teillant and Laxminarayan (2015) corroborates these findings, but reveals that since 2000, in-feed antibiotics elicit only minor responses in pig performance indicators through different production stages. The authors suggest several possible explanations.

First, AGPs may have a reduced impact when animal nutrition, hygiene, genetics and health status of the animals are optimal. Second, resistance to antibiotics may play a role in diminishing the effectiveness of AGPs. This coincides with an increase in recommended dosage levels of sub-therapeutic antibiotics over the past decades.

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Proven Tools to Replace AGPs

NGPs can maintain modern industrial performance levels and should be considered an important tool in antibiotic reduction strategies.

Figure 1. Improvement in feed conversion ratio of pigs fed with antibiotics.

% Improvement in Feed Conversion Ratio

9 8

◆

Hays, 1978

◆ Nursery Pigs

7 6 5

◆

Zimmermann, 1986

 Growing Finishing Pigs

Hays, 1978

◆

Hays, 1978



4 3

◆

Hays, 1978



2 Hays, 1978

1



Hays, 1978



Zimmermann, 1986 Miller, 2003



◆ Dritz, 2002

Dritz, 2002 Miller, 2005  Van Lunen, 2003 0 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 Year(s) when Experiments Were Conducted

Source: Aude T. & Ramanan L., 2015

New ways to promote growth Replacing AGPs will rely upon a holistic approach to improve animal health status and performance through better management, biosecurity measures, vaccination programs, diagnostics and feeding strategy.

Since feed costs account for a significant part of total production costs, feeding strategy is a crucial point.

Organic acids, phytogenics, probiotics and prebiotics have all been identified as potential in-feed antibiotic replacements.

Novel growth promoters’ (NGPs) mode of action differs considerably from antibiotics. While phytogenic feed additives (PFAs or botanicals) tend to improve digestion and an animal’s anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative status, organic acid-based products have a clearer antimicrobial effect that supports feed and water hygiene and the control of Gram-negative bacteria. For

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example, probiotics, or direct-fed microbials (DFM), serve to reinforce a healthy gut microbiota. All of these categories of feed additives are expected to grow more quickly than in-feed antibiotics in the coming years.

Comparable or better results Significant effort has been paid to identifying which additives will replace AGPs. In general, a replacement should perform roughly equally as well under practical conditions in order to gain acceptance.

Looking across nine swine trials performed in various countries worldwide and testing both AGPs and NGPs (phytogenics or organic acid-based products) at a variety of production stages, each NGP group performed better on average in terms of FCR and ADG compared to the AGP group (Figures 2 and 3). This improvement accompanies better gut health and fewer intestinal disorders.

Science & Solutions • Issue 36

Richard Markus, Assistant of Development Director Franz Waxenecker, Director of the Development Department

Identifying the right tool These results suggest that performance can be maintained with novel growth promoters and that these can be considered an important tool in antibiotic reduction strategies. The aim of NGPs should always focus on disease prevention, not treatment. Species, production phase, farm conditions, product dosage and ROI

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Figure 2. Average FCR results of nine pig trials.

1.50

Biotronic® (2)

1.65

AGP

Digestarom® (7)

1.80

AGP

Feed Conversion Ratio (kg/kg)

1.95

1.35 n AGP

n NGP

Source: BIOMIN, 2015

Figure 3. Average ADG results of nine pig trials.

Biotronic® (2)

AGP

0.2

AGP

0.4

Digestarom® (7)

0.6 Average Daily Gain (kg/day)

In the above trials both AGP and NGP groups performed better than control groups. In seven trials of antibiotics and phytogenic feed additives, PFAs delivered a 5.47% improvement in FCR compared to AGPs. In two trials of antibiotics and organic acid-based products, acidifiers offered just a one-half percent improvement in FCR. This suggests that NGPs are appropriately suited to replace AGPs in terms of feed efficiency. Both antibiotics and certain phytogenics reduce inflammation within animals, generating energy savings that can be used for growth.

Acidifiers work differently in that they contribute to feed and water hygiene and decrease the overall pathogen load in the gastrointestinal tract. FCR improvement matters considerably since feed costs account for around 70% of total swine production costs. Higher efficiency—meaning a lower FCR—means better profitability. Improving the FCR from 2.75 to 2.70 of weaner to finisher (8-110 kg) stages means around 5 kg less feed per pig, which reflects 5 tons feed savings per 1000 pigs produced.

In seven trials of antibiotics and phytogenic feed additives, pigs receiving the PFA had a 6% higher daily gain on average compared to those receiving AGPs. In two trials of antibiotics and organic acid-based products, pigs receiving acidifiers had a 10.8% higher daily gain on average compared to those receiving AGPs. Improvement of average daily gain (ADG) can positively influence the final weight of the animals and number of rotations. For instance, an ADG improvement in growing-finishing phase from 900 to 910 grams can result around +0.9kg extra weight for finishers at sale. The above trials indicate that NGPs can also be considered an appealing tool to improve performance parameters.

0.0 n AGP

n NGP

Source: BIOMIN, 2015

considerations all influence the choice of feed additive.

Furthermore, combinations of additives have been demonstrated to work successfully in particular situations to achieve specific objectives or to counter challenges such as mycotoxins or pathogenic bacteria. This means that organic acid-based products and phytogenic feed additives may each play a role in future production as part of a tailor-made solution to help producers achieve animal health and performance goals.

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How to Best Include DDGS in Swine Feed

By Richard

Markus, Assistant of Development Director, and André van Lankveld

While pig farmers, especially in the USA, have used dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) in feed for years, questions remain. One of these is about appropriate inclusion level and use at various production stages.

T

he development of the bioethanol industry has made new grain by-products such as dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS), with relatively high protein and energy levels, readily available to the livestock industry. Given that feed costs account for 60 to 70% of pig farm expenses, it is not surprising that many farmers look to substitute soybean meal, the ‘gold standard’ of protein sources, with others such as DDGS that cost half as much or less.

This article initially appeared in Pig Progress, Vol. 31 No. 6.

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Nutritional perspective Among different protein sources soybean meal is the most common one found in monogastric animals’ compound feed due to its relatively consistent nutrient content and good amino acid profile.

DDGS is a protein-rich corn (maize) by-product with amino acid concentrations approximately three times greater than those in corn (Table 1).

Ileal digestibility is a measure that estimates the availability of amino acids to the animal. According to US research from 2009 by Hans Stein and Gerald Shurson, attached to the University of Minnesota and the University of Urbana-Campaign respectively, standardised ileal digestibility of most amino acids in DDGS is approximately 10 percentage units less than in corn.

Reduced digestibility values for dry matter and energy in DDGS can be explained with the fact that apparent total tract digestibility of dietary fibre is less than 50%.

Evaluating protein quality Nutrients are often referred to as limiting when deficiencies result in poorer animal health and/or productive performance. Table 2 shows the amino acid composition and digestibility of soybean meal and DDGS. Comparing soybean meal with a crude protein level of 44% with DDGS

Science & Solutions • Issue 36

Table 1. Nutritional composition of soybean meal, DDGS and corn Nutrient composition (%)

Soybean meal (CP 44%)

DDGS (CP 25%)

Corn (CP 8%)

Dry matter (%)

87.6

88.3

86.4

Ash (%)

6.5

3.9

1.2

Crude protein (%)

43.3

24.9

8.2

Crude fat (%)

1.7

8.2

3.7

Crude fiber (%)

6.1

7.3

2.2

Digestibility and mycotoxin contamination are relevant considerations when using DDGS in diets.

Source: INRA-AFZ and EvaPig (2011) reference tables

Table 2. Protein quality of soybean meal and DDGS. Soybean meal

DDGS

Protein quality

Amino acid composition (%)

Ileal standardized digestibility (%)

Amino acid composition (%)

Ileal standardized digestibility (%)

Lysine

2.65

90

0.71

62

Threonine

1.69

86

0.91

70

Methionine

0.62

92

0.51

82

Cysteine

0.65

86

0.49

73

Met+Cys

1.26

89

1.00

78

Tryptophan

0.56

89

0.19

74

Source: INRA-AFZ, Eva pig (2011)

having a 25% crude protein level, soybean meal contains much higher quantities of amino acids with better digestibility.

Despite these differences, DDGS can be considered a good source of sulfur-containing amino acids.

It is always recommended to check lysine to crude protein (CP) ratio of DDGS since these can give an indication about possible heat damage during the drying process. A lysine/CP ratio of 2.8% or higher for average quality DDGS is common in terms of lysine digestibility.

Improving nutrient digestibility While plant-based phytogenic feed additives, or botanicals, cannot change the quality of protein, they can exert a positive influence on nutrient digestibility.

This is particularly important for piglets given underdeveloped digestive tracts. A 41-day trial involving 25-day old piglets demonstrated that the use of Digestarom®, a phytogenic feed additive by BIOMIN, improved the digestibility of crude protein by 9.8%, crude fat by 7.7% and starch by 1.4% versus the control group. Overall the

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average ileal digestibility of amino acids in piglets improved by more than 10% with phytogenic feed additive supplementation (Figure 1).

Growers and finishers DDGS can be used up to 20% in growing-finishing feed without having a Figure 1. Improved digestibility using Digestarom®. +10.4%*

+9.6%*

+1.9%

+17.2%* +13.2%* +16.8%* +11.0%*

+7.2%*

90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 lys

ine m

*

i eth

on

ine

tyr

osi

ne

eo thr

Significant difference (p <0.01)

nin

e

ph

en

l yla

an

ine

pro

lin

e

le iso

uci

ne

leu

cin

e

n Control n Digestarom®

7

How to Best Include DDGS in Swine Feed

Mycotoxins in feed [μg/kg]

Figure 2. Impact of mycotoxin contaminated feed on piglet performance.

500 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 Da

y 1 ay 4 ay 8 y 11 y 15 y 18 y 22 y 25 y 29 y 32 y 36 y 39 D D Da Da Da Da Da Da Da Da Da

– Deoxynivalenol – Nivalenol – Zearalenone Weight gain [g/day]

700 556 a

600

602 b

500 400 300

247 a

401 a

301 b

451 b

200 100 0 Day 1-20

Day 20-40 n Control

Day 1-40

n Mycofix®

Source: BIOMIN, 2014

Nursery pigs and growfinisher pigs may be fed diets containing DDGS without significant negative impact on growth performance.

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significant negative effect on performance parameters. However, in many cases increased DDGS dosage in finished feed resulted in reduced weight gain and increased feed conversion ratio. Removal of DDGS from the diet three to four weeks prior to slaughter can reduce the negative impact of DDGS on carcass fat. In eight out of 18 experiments in which growing-finishing diets with DDGS inclusion up to 30%, the carcass dressing percentage was reduced. One can expect a 0.03% carcass yield reduction per 1% DDGS in the diet, but withdrawal of DDGS six weeks prior to harvest can prevent reductions in yield.

Nursery pigs and piglets Nursery pigs from two to three weeks post-weaning may be fed diets containing up to 30% DDGS without a significant negative impact on growth performance.

Piglets are highly sensitive to mycotoxins

produced by Fusarium fungi, which can thus limit the use of DDGS in piglet feed since mycotoxin contamination of corn and its by-products is quite common.

Corn samples analysed as part of the 2014 BIOMIN Mycotoxin Survey tested positive for deoxynivalenol in 73% of cases, T-2 (13%), fumonisins (72%), zearalenone (55%), aflatoxins (23%) and ochratoxin A (5%).

The most mycotoxin contaminated fractions of corn are the outer portions which remain in DDGS after the fermentation process. Because mycotoxins do not dissolve or evaporate, mycotoxin concentrations in resulting DDGS are typically three times higher than in the initial corn.

Again, 2014’s mycotoxin survey results indicate that among common swine feed ingredients DDGS registered the highest prevalence of aflatoxins, zearalenone, deoxynivalenol and fumonisins, occurring in 39%, 72%, 81% and 81% of samples tested. T-2 toxin and ochratoxin A registered 26% and 27%, respectively.

In a recent 40-day trial 300 piglets were assigned to control and treatment groups, both of which were exposed to low, naturally contaminated feed (Figure 2 top). The treatment group received a preventive dosage of mycotoxin detoxification additive, Mycofix® Plus. Results show that detoxification significantly improved daily weight gain.

Sows Few studies address DDGS inclusion in sows’ diets. In 2012, a group of researchers around Lee Johnston and others at the University of Minnesota, USA, conducted a trial from first to third parity with 400 sows in control and trial groups. The sows in the control group were fed a corn-soybean diet. The trial group diet was supplemented with 40% DDGS during gestation and 20% during lactation. In case of piglets born, piglet weaned per litter and piglet mortality, no significant differences were observed, though key performance parameters for the DDGS group were on average 4% lower compared to the control group.

Science & Solutions • Issue 36

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oluntary feed intake is one of the most important and challenging factors of swine production. The amount of feed consumed is central to determining growth performance and tissue accretion rates.

Feed intake measurement and constant monitoring on commercial units is essential to formulating diets to meet nutritional requirements.

This article details the main factors that impact feed intake and highlights actions where management can influence the outputs (see table right).

• Environmental factors: The major climatic factor that directly influences feed intake is the environmental temperature.

Pigs exposed to extreme cold consume excessive quantities of feed in an effort to maintain normal body temperature.

• Diet composition: Dietary energy levels have a significant impact on feed intake.

Pigs can use a wide variety of feed ingredients and adjust their feed intake pattern to maintain a constant energy intake. Feed intake will also be influenced by the level of other nutrients in the diet, especially in case of deficiencies or imbalances.

• Health status: The immune system has a major impact on swine performance.

Exposure to pathogenic agents has been shown to result in the release of cytokines that activate the immune system.

Cytokines alter metabolic processes, resulting in decreased protein synthesis and increased protein degradation to maintain homeostasis during a health challenge.

• Genotype: Substantial genetic variation for lean growth rate, lean efficiency, carcass lean percentage and feed intake exists between different genetic populations of pigs.

• Mycotoxins: Toxins can dramatically reduce feed intake levels. Many common feedstuffs contain natural toxins that may impair pig performance and/ or voluntary feed intake, thus affecting nutrient requirements.

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Guidelines/Corrective Actions Environment • Optimum barn temperature range based on age and phase of production • Optimum barn ventilation rates • Proper operation of misting or water drip systems to promote evaporative cooling • Barn controller adjustment based on seasonality were performed properly and equipment is fully operational Diet And Feed Management • Constant revision of nutritional program • Proper levels of dietary energy • Proper levels of protein • Ingredient palatability – limit the inclusion of unpalatable ingredients and/or make gradual changes • Feed form: pellets tend to give higher intake • Particle size: ensure proper micron size • Pigs have continuous access to feed • Feed system supplies a continuous feed to the feeder Feeder • Feeder space is adequate for individual pig as well for total number of pigs in the pen • Proper pan coverage • Physical condition of feeders • Consider in the potential benefits of wet dry feeders and overall feeder design with targeted operation outputs Mycotoxins • Check raw materials and complete feed. Establish a sampling monitoring system with analytical methods (LC-MS/MS, HPLC) • Ensure hygiene in feed bins, feed lines and water lines • Consider the inclusion of a feed additive with multiple counteracting strategies (adsorption, biotransformation and Bioprotection) Water • Drinkers are functioning properly • Flow rate is adequate • Drinkers are accessible to pigs (adequate height especially during the nursery phase) • Ratio of drinkers to pigs is sufficient • Water quality References are available on request

For more information, visit www.mycotoxins.info DISCLAIMER: This table contains general advice on swine-related matters which most commonly affect swine and may be related to the presence of mycotoxins in feed. Swine diseases and problems include, but are not confined to the ones present in the table. BIOMIN accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever arising from or in any way connected with the use of this table or its content. Before acting on the basis of the contents of this table, advice should be obtained directly from your veterinarian.

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